THE HERALD has launched a 'Helping Hand' campaign seeking to keep those self-isolating connected with the community, and to promote agencies offering door-to-door support.

In coming weeks, and possibly months as the situation develops, the Herald will be actively supporting community groups both new and pre-existing, offering support to anyone quarantining themselves over the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak.

We are in discussion with various partners to ensure copies of the Herald – complete with the latest information, advice and contacts, as well as the usual mix of local news – are distributed direct to doorsteps.

And this week's paper, on sale Thursday, will also carry a coupon for readers to cut out, fill in with their details and post through vulnerable neighbours' doors, offering a 'helping hand'.

We are also appealing for readers to get in touch with any stories of kindness and good neighbourly acts, and for agencies wishing to publicise their support, to email [email protected] or call 01252 899221.

It comes after a number of community groups were set up via Facebook to support those showing symptoms and quarantining themselves, particularly the elderly and more vulnerable.

The Herald is aware of at least three such groups; the Farnham and Villages Coronavirus Support Group; the Farnham Response Group, and Alton Coronavirus Support, all of which can be found by searching Facebook.

Keith Roberts, founder of one of the Farnham Response Group, outlined the concept for the Herald: "The idea is that there are a list of people who would be happy to go out and deliver supplies etc to anyone in isolation. It's a great show of community spirit."

Further information about the local response to the coronavirus outbreak will be shared in coming days, online and in print this coming Thursday.

It comes as the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Surrey and Hampshire ballooned to 76 on Sunday, according to the latest Public Health England statistics.

A total of 53 people have now tested positive for the virus in Hampshire as of 9am on March 15, up 12 in one day, making it the most affected county in England.

In neighbouring Surrey, 23 people have now tested positive – eight more than a day earlier.

Nationwide, 1,391 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in the UK – with an additional 330 contracting COVID-19 on Sunday.

To-date, 35 deaths in the UK have been linked to the virus.

From today, daily press conferences will be hosted by the Prime Minister and senior Ministers on the coronavirus pandemic, supported by scientific and medical experts including the Chief Medical Office and Chief Scientific Adviser.

The press conferences aim "to ensure British people are fully informed about the steps they can take to protect themselves and others", and follows criticism of No 10 for an apparent lack of transparency over its plans to stem the spread of the virus.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister and this Government are committed to keeping the public informed every step of the way about what we’re doing to fight the spread of coronavirus, when we’re doing it and why we’re doing it.

"At all times we will be led by the science to bring forward the right responses at the right time to this global pandemic."

The Government's latest advice is as follows:

* All people with flu-like symptoms – a fever above 37.8C or a persistent cough – should self-isolate (stay at home, away from other people) for seven days

* Schools should not take trips abroad

* Older people and those with pre-existing health conditions should avoid cruises

Further measures will be taken as the number of coronavirus infections moves towards its peak:

* Older people and those with health conditions will be advised to cut social contact and stay at home

* If someone in your home falls ill, the whole household will be told to isolate itself for 14 days

It is hoped these steps could significantly reduce the number of infections and cut deaths by up to a third.

The Government has so far resisted calls to introduce ’social distancing’, including closing schools and banning large gatherings.

However, a raft of upcoming events and sporting fixtures across the Herald area, including Farnham Beerex, the Crondall Triathlon and the Combined Counties football league, have already been cancelled or postponed (amended listings to follow in this week's Herald - on sale Thursday).

Police and crime commissioner (PCC) elections in Surrey and Hampshire have also been postponed for one year to May 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

*This page will be updated